Italy - Scuolazzurri

HOT SPRINGS IN ITALY? WHY NOT!

In the last few years, Italy has had tourists coming from all over the world to visit some of the most beautiful Italian places. When I ask my foreign friends where they went or wish to go, I always hear the same routes: Rome, Florence, Venice, and Amalfi Coast… Please, do not get me wrong, all these are amazing places, but you can take time to go to different paths, with less crowd, and still discover fascinating sites.

TERME DI MERANO, TRENTINO ALTO ADIGE

It is a natural spot located in Merano, Alto Adige. Its real popularity started in 1870 due to the visit of the Empress of Austria Elizabeth, better known as Sissi. The Empress brought her daughters and especially Valerie, who was not very well, to improve her health condition.

You can have a steam bath mixed with mountain herbs. At Trauttmansdorff there is the Finnish sauna considered the biggest and well equipped in Alto Adige. Lastly, the Snow Room, which only the bravest guests may accept to get into because this special room is set at -10° C.

Picture from www.termemerano.it/en/terme

BAGNI VECCHI, LOMBARDIA

The Bagni Vecchi, or “old baths” with their wealth of history, are located along the main road leading to the Stelvio. The Goth historian Cassiodorus admired their therapeutic virtues; as well as Leonardo da Vinci who mentioned the unique waters in his Codex Atlanticus.

The nine natural hot springs on the slopes of Monte Reit reach temperatures between 37 and 40°C.

Terme Bagni Nuovi Thermal Center offers a new relaxation experience: with its water rich in sulfurous mud, the infinity pool with panoramic views of the Alps, the large outdoor pools, saunas, waterfalls, and many other attractive services for those seeking moments of complete wellness surrounded by the nature of the Stelvio National Park.

TERME DEI PAPI, LAZIO

Romans built and established the thermal area in the old Etruscan village called Surrena, better known today as Viterbo.

In Medieval times, the hot springs were a mandatory destination, especially for popes used to visit due to the excellent mineral salts of wellspring Bullicame, whose temperature reaches 58°C. This special thermal spot is completely dug in the rock and has also a Turkish bath with natural waterfalls that keep the site a humidity of 100%.

SATURNIA TERME, TUSCANY

The springs are located in the municipality of Manciano in Italy, a few kilometers from the village of Saturnia. It was reported through a legend that Saturnia thermal sites were formed by lightning bolts. It was a fight between Jupiter and Saturn who missed the other god’s bolts, causing the formations. The springs that feed the baths, cover a vast territory that stretches from Mount Amiata, the Maremma at Roselle (Terme di Roselle), and Talamone (Terme dell’Osa). The chemical mix is sulfur, carbon, sulfate, bicarbonate-alkaline, and earth, with the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas and carbon dioxide.

It is a place that is better to visit in late Fall till early Spring, so you can enjoy the amazing landscape and more space because of fewer visitors.

Picture from https://www.termedisaturnia.it/en/

TERME DI CAVASCURA, CAMPANIA

It’s situated 300 meters from the beach of Maronti and is accessed by several little waterfalls that open into a small bed among the tuff walls of the hill.

These terms are well known since the ancient Greeks who spotted and colonized the beautiful island. Romans, then with their engineering developments, brought the Cavascura hot springs to today’s splendor.

Interesting and picturesque is the play of colors that can be observed entering; violet predominates; In the gloom of caverns restful guests bathe in real contact with nature. Then there is a hot shower that comes down the mountain like a waterfall and a natural sauna dug in the cave that over time formed the hydrothermal basin. These springs, are a wellness center where you can also enjoy mud baths and showers, a natural sauna, and massages.

Picture from https://cavascuraterme.it/en

Have you ever thought that Italy holds a unique hot springs record? Thermal water can be found underground throughout almost all of the Italian peninsula. I would recommend October to March the best months to enjoy these enchanting natural spots. So, kindly, accept my modest hints, and you could have the most surprising spa vacation at a lesser cost than the average “hot places”.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Top 5 Confusing Italian Words!

If you want to learn Italian, your goal is either to ex-pat, learn a new language, or simply to travel.

Therefore, you study hard, practice as soon as you have a chance, and improve your skills day by day.

You are clearly noticing to level up! When all the notions are on the right “cabinet”, suddenly, you realize that everything you have learned needs to be re-organized all over again…

“Italian language has lots and lots of exceptions”

Unfortunately, this is a true statement that I keep repeating to my students…

Sometimes you need to memorize a word as is because it can have different meanings that can be used in many different scenarios.

To make our students’ life easier, we came up with a few “troubling” words.

Let’s solve the dilemma between some of these.

Hi & Goodbye are two different greetings that have only one word in Italian: Ciao!

Below salutation has been used during the evening time, but these greetings are needed in specific cases.

In these cases “Prego” is not the tomato can! Below images refer to “Prego” in two meanings.

Another usage of “Prego” in different contexts.

What’s the difference between the two words below?

As you may already thought about it:

“A presto” is a statement for a goodbye. We are uncertain about when we will meet again.

“A domani”, instead you do know that tomorrow we will see each other again.

We hope to have cleared some confusion.

See you for the next inquiries!

Antonia L. Mosca

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Italian tower watches: Untold histories.

Many centuries have passed from the pirates’ invasions of the Italian coast. However, there is always something magical about these past histories.

The idea of seeing places that switch back to an unknown past, it’s always so attractive. Touching a tower stone or visit the inside, can offer a concrete idea about what happened.

It is a past that we cannot live anymore, but no one can forbid us to fantasize.

In this article, we tried to group ten of the most amazing Italian tower watches, along with their legends, facts, and beautiful images.

Torre di Punta Campanella – Massa Lubrense

Punta Campanella in Sorrento, Naples, Italy

It is an old watch tower which divides Sorrento Peninsula to Positano.

The name “Campanella” means “little bell”, which it was rung when any kind of danger was going to happen or the enemy was sighted.

About its ruins there is a controversy:

Some consider that it might date back to the Greek empire, whom built also a temple.

Others, believe that it might be attributed to Ulysses’ myth.

According to the legend, pirates disembarked to Sorrento stole everything form Saint Antonino’s Church, also bells.

On their way back to the ship, nearby Punta Campanella, they got into a so powerful thunderstorm that sank pirate’s ship.

It is said that every year around Saint Antonino’s Day, people hear the bells in the bottom of the sea.

Torre di Carlo V – Agrigento

Torre di Carlo V in Porto Empedocle, Agrigento, Sicily

The dimensions of this so tough tower show until today the importance of the place to protect.

From XV century “Marina di Girgenti” was one of the most important grain loaders. Which, unfortunately brought many invaders on looting this rich area.

The promotion of this tower was advocated by Carlo V. For this reason, the tower watch was named after him.

In order to protect this site and its gorgeous Sicilian economy, was built the fortress in defense of the pirates’ raids.

Torre del Serpe – Otranto

It is one of the most important Salento’ s fortresses.

The tower watch was advocated by Federico II to avoid pirates’ incursions.

Torre del Serpe, means literally “Sneak Tower”. According to the legend, a sneak lived in this fort, and it was fed with the oil used to light up the lighthouse.

A day, Saracens, tempted by the beautiful coast, were unable to invade Otranto.

The astute snake figured the upcoming danger, and blew the oil of the lighthouse off.

Torre Astura – Nettuno

A peninsula in the Nettuno village, on the coast of Latina. It is a tower still in good conditions, located near the Bussana beach.

To remember that it was one of the last places that Marc Antony visited before he was captured by Augusto.

The fortress was joined to the mainland by a bridge as it now remains, a peninsula projecting into the sea.

It is surmounted by a fortified tower, called the Torre di Astura

Torre dell’Arma – Imperia

Huge tower watch, it controls the entire headland, and it overlooks Costa Balena, between Arma di Taggia and Sanremo.

Torre dell’Arma was built around 1565, because Taggia and Bussana, as many other sea villages, were subjected to several pirates’ assaults.

Due to its massive building, in rhombus shape it allowed an excellent view which enabled the watcher to alert their population in case invaders were approaching the coastline.

Garitta di Santa Tecla – Acireale

Garitta di Santa Tecla, Acireale, Sicily

Turks started invading Sicilian Saint Tecla’s coasts from XVI century.

To prevent countless attacks was built the garitta or sentry box on very sharp volcanic reefs.

The garitta is a covered tower that protected the watcher from the rain, wind, heat.

Torre la Scafa – Cagliari

By the end of 1500 Torre della Scafa was guarded to avoid enemies to loot the Sardinia island.

Unfortunately, the structure was damaged by a rough storm in 1898, but it was rebuilt in a different way.

There are two floor levels in its tower and can have access to the terrace and have a spectacular view of Cagliari coastline.

Torre Lapillo – Lecce

It is a square shaped tower with access stairway and three very high arches.

To protect the Salento’s population from the Saracens, the structure was demanded on Carlo V’ s request.

The sturdy building it’s a hot tourists tower.

spot. Million people want to visit this venue to check-out the so well-built tower.

Torre Incina – Polignano a Mare

In the XVI century, the emperor Carlo V ordered to build tower watch along this area, too.

Towers were built in strategic spots where the invaders were going to be discouraged on their attacks.

Also, the towers were closer to each other to facilitate communication.

Sentries were able to inform one to the other their villagers about impending attacks.

Il Torrione – Ischia

It is the biggest and the most famous tower watch in Ischia island.

It dates back to the XV century when too many invaders were attacking this beautiful place.

The structure is pretty big, because on three levels and it was built on top of tuff rock.

As per today, the venue became a local museum that attracts tourists from all around the world.

ANTONIA L. MOSCA

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Italian Medieval Villages

Let’s have a virtual trip to discover the most delightful antique centers of Italy. Six beautiful places we will visit in the next future.

Castiglione del Lago (Umbria, Perugia)

It is a pentagonal-shaped fortress of the Lion; it was decided to be built by Emperor Frederick II in 1247.

The castle was assembled in this specific way to give the king a strategic control over all of Lake Trasimeno, and of course spot the enemy in timely fashion.

The peculiarity of this amazing fortress: its preservation over centuries. You will have the chance to see the three gates; then, inside the municipality.

There are also three plazas and three churches. If you will ever be around Florence area, you should definitely visit this medieval town.

Cefalù (Palermo, Sicilia)

The “Medieval Lavatoio” literally means “washer”, because until last century, people used this special place to wash their clothes.

It is a castle which can be accessed from via Vittorio Emanuele. You will need to climb stairs created from lava stones, while water will be flowing from these stairs. The water of Cefalino river are considered pristine.

Legend tells that the river was originated from the crying of nymph, repented of killing her betraying lover. Medieval Lavatoio is located in the enchanted Sicily island, Cefalu’ it is a city belonging to Palermo.

Recanati (Marche)

The Montefiore castle was erected for defensive purposes in medieval age.

Over the course of the years, the Castle was losing his strategic importance and gradually abandoned.

It is a borough in the Province of Macerata, in the Marche region, Italy. Recanati was founded around 1150 AD from three pre-existing castles. It rises in the Montefiore, about 10 km from the center of Recanati.

During several centuries of economic prosperity, Recanati became home to prominent jurists, writers, and artists.

Bosa (Oristano, Sardegna)

The castle was built in 1112 on top of the hill of Serravalle by the noble Tuscan Malaspina dello Spino Secco family. Legend tells that the jealous marquis built an underpass from the castle to the cathedral so that his beautiful wife would go to church without being seen by indiscreet eyes.

The Castle of Serravalle is a medieval castle in Bosa, province of Oristano, Sardinia, Italy.

Maiera’ (Calabria)

The medieval village has the trait to be on rocky hill. From one side you can see the blue Mediterranean see, from the other, you will view a very deep ravine, which time before it was used to grind grain.

The legend tells that two men were fighting for the love of a beautiful lady. In order to keep peace among people, God decided to separate the city of Maiera’ from the other one.

Maiera’ is between Scalea and Diamante, Cosenza. In summer time is a major attraction for food festivals.

Castellabate (Campania)

Castellabate castle was fabricated between the 11th and 15th century. This fortress has sturdy walls with four towers. Inside the town, can be found old houses, and furnaces.

Nearby the castle, can be visited a fishermen village in San Marco di Castellabate.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Il Sole 24 Ore: better living in Italy of 2020

Every end of the year, Il Sole 24 Ore, an Italian national daily business newspaper owned by Confindustria, draws up a ranking of the most livable cities in Italy.

“Wealth and consumption”, “demography”, “health and jobs”, are some pf the parameters used in the yearly quest. Another big part that completely changed the order of this list, has been by the considering the effect of the 2020 pandemic.

On our article, we will be considering only the first six most livable Italian cities

Bologna

Bologna known as “La Dotta” (The Wise) is the town on top of the 2020 classifies. It is on the very first position for the best improvement on “culture and free time”, “business and jobs”, and the social spending on: home assistance and transportation for “elder and ill people, with an increase of 53.9%” [https://www.ilpost.it/2020/12/14/classifica-province-italia-2020/]

Bologna, Parma at 8^th, Forlì-Cesena 14th, Modena 15^th, and Reggio are the five districts belonging to Emilia-Romagna region.

Bolzano

The second place is taken by Bolzano. This city is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, province of north Italy is a greater metro area has about 250,000 inhabitants and is one of the urban centers within the Alps. The Dolomites mountain town for the society and demography received the best score.

Trento

“Environment and services”, “business and jobs”, “wealth and consumptions” lead this city on the third place. Trento is famous for the beauty of its landscape and the quality of its snow, it is a favorite destination for ski enthusiasts. Some of the most touristic spots are particularly Madonna di Campiglio, Canazei, Cavalese, and San Martino di Castrozza.

Verona

“Romeo & Juliet” town receives is on the fourth place of the list for the good job on “environment and services” and “business and jobs.” The northern city belonging to Veneto region, has many touristic hot spots; such as: medieval old town built between the meandering Adige River. It’s also famous for a tiny balcony overlooking a courtyard is said be “Juliet’s House.”

Trieste

Trieste is the capital city of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. Always known as a port city, it occupies a very small strip of land between the Adriatic coast and Slovenia’s border. According to the quest, this city did very well on “business and jobs”, and “environment and services.”

Udine

“Justice and security” are the winning categories that takes the city of Udine at the sixth place. Its Friulian culture, the European melting-pot of Italian, Austrian and Slovene influences, gives the city a unique ambience, best experienced in its cuisine. Udine it is known in the entire world for the: San Daniele prosciutto, and Bastianich wines.

ANTONIA L. MOSCA

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Hunted sites in Italy

Is Italy a country hunted by spirits? As you may know, this is a pretty old place, with a lot of history, battles, traditions. All dated lands keep many secrets difficult to disclose… Can we find any ghosts in Italy? The answer is: of course, yes!

Following this idea, we would like to guide you on the discovery of the many hunted castles, forts, and buildings you would never guess being hunted. Halloween week is finally here and we thought it was a good idea to show you a dark side of our “Bel Paese.”

This article will be a little “taste” of the many creepiest Italian places. Aura of unresolved mysteries, enigmas, and sinister vibes, circle these beautiful Italian sites. Let’s name them:

FOSDINOVO CASTLE, MASSA CARRARA

The village has one of the most unique castles of the region, which it is called “Malaspina castle.”

Residents of the hamlet, are no longer surprised when in the full moon nights, appear female spirits along the castle walkway. People are still debating on whom that ghost might be associated: some think that might be Bianca Maria Malaspina, walled alive by a manor. Some others, consider the spirit of the noblewoman Cristina Adelaide Pallavicino; whom, afterwards, had the custom to throw her lovers in a deep well.

Back in 1990, a TV show was able to record the silhouette of this hooded woman. However, they were not capable to identify which one of the two possible women.

SAN LEO’ S FORT, RIMINI

Certainly, it’s Cagliostro Count ghost. He lived in the ‘700 and was well known as: alchemist, medium, and mind reader. As result of his so broad knowledge, the court of inquisition deducted that he was a wizard. So, he was punished with accuses of witchcraft.

He was, in fact locked up in the San Leo’s fort and isolated from the outside world. No one could talk to him; food was served through a basket dropped from a trap door located on the ceiling. He lasted in that tiny cage only for four years.

These forced years of loneliness, made his spirit very angry. He is still looking for a real justice!

SAN GALGANO ABBEY, SIENA

This is a less known place, but it still requires to be highlighted: San Galgano Abbey, it’s very close to the town of Chiusdino, Tuscany countryside; distingushed from cypress trees, and flowery meadows background.

This Abbey is the first gothic church built in Tuscany. Even though, it is now a destroy without roof, you will still have a clear idea of how it was before. Another important site to visit is also the Rotonda di Montesiepi, not too far from the abbey. The Montesiepi roundabout keeps the legendary “Sword in the stone”, a legend or fairytale that inspired Medieval books, films, and animation movies. We underline that you can visit this last place; however, the sword is covered from a protective shield, so you will not able to draw the sword, like King Arthur did many centuries ago.

CURSED POVEGLIA ISLAND, VENEZIA

Poveglia is a small island located between Venice and Lido in the Venetian Lagoon. It is considered as one of the most haunted and most evil places in the world. Local fishermen, out of fear, won’t even get too close to the island. This place was abandoned in 1379 after a war in Chioggia, then reused for the Black Plague, in 600’ as a huge cemetery that held more than 150.000 burned and buried corpse. Lastly, in 900’ it was opened as a mental institution which it was soon closed once inexplicably, a person threw himself from one of the towers. After this last episode, paranormal activities stories spread, and everybody abandoned the island to its destiny.

BARDI FORTRESS, PARMA

It is a fortress positioned in the center of Bardi village. This is one of the most important Emilia-Romagna military sites.

At night time, you might meet the mad spirit of knight Moroello. Legend tells about the daughter of the nobleman, and this brave knight. Soleste and Moroello were deeply in love, but the lady was promised to be married to another wealthy man. Moroello had to travel to fight against enemies for a large amount of time. After a while, Soleste thought her knight was dead in the battlefield, so she threw herself into the keep of the castle.

Once Moroello came back and realized what happened to his beloved, he could not take the bad news, so out of desperation, he committed suicide. During 1990 the castel was studied from parapsychology. Also, a ghostbuster team was capable to take a picture of the sad solitaire knight.

LA STREGA DEL VESUVIO, NAPOLI

During the Vesuvio eruption dated 1858, the event was so violent and strong that the large amount of lava covered a huge ravine. Due to this, people were able to simply walk on it and move from one side to the other.

After the eruption, people who lived close by the Vesuvian mountain were woken up by intense women screams. They could not take it anymore, so they all decided to visit a very powerful witch.

After explaining the problem, the old lady was taken to the place were the screams were heard, so she started speaking in a loud voice an arcane language.

Ever since she made this spell, The Vesuvio mountain became a quiet place again.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Top six Italian Semifreddo

Summer is the season well known for going to the beach, pool, and mostly spending time outdoors. However, since we are for now living in a “social distancing” world, we need to be extra cautious about who we meet and how to interact with people. A great alternative to this antisocial year, is to enjoy life in your own home and… Concentrating on eating…

Hot weather can make us opt for refreshing foods like: ice-cream, frozen yogurt, smoothie, or the king of the summer: watermelon! Well, besides all these very tasty ideas, here it comes another suggestion spelled out in one name: “Semifreddo.”

“Semifreddo” is an Italian that literally means “Semi-frozen.” This is not an ice-cream, and not even a dessert. It is a kind of hybrid placed in half way, and that can be enjoyed for the entire 365 days of the year.

Guess what? After few researches, I discovered that Italy is the “Semifreddo” homeland, of course influenced by many European countries. Let me introduce you some of the best six Italian semifreddo:

#1 PROFITEROLES

In the US are called “Cream puffs.” This rounded shell can be filled with custard, hazelnut, chocolate, or whipped cream. The invention starts around 1540 at Caterina de ‘Medici’s court in Florence. Her trusted chef Popelini created this sublime dough to celebrate the Italian noblewoman wedding to Henry II of France. This special union between Italy and France, originates profiteroles, which will be spread outside the two countries and being widely appreciated around the XVII Century.

#2 TIRAMISU’

This is the coffee lover semifreddo dessert. It is not baked cake made with ladyfingers dipped in a mixture of espresso and liqueur, then layered on a creamy, sweet, and delicious mixture of mascarpone, eggs, and coffee flavor.

The word Tiramisù comes from the Treviso dialect, “Tireme su”, it literally means “Pick me up”. This semifreddo was originated in the Northern part of Italy, Treviso in 1800. According to few sources, this dessert was invented by a clever “maitresse” of a red-light district in the center of Treviso. Considered as: “Aphrodisiac dessert to offer to customers at the end of the evening in order to reinvigorate their conjugal duties” (https://www.accademiadeltiramisu.com/en/the-origin-of-tiramisu-fact-and-legend/)

#3 DELIZIA AL LIMONE

In English stands for “Lemon delight” and it comes from the main lemon-land based in Sorrento, Napoli. This delicious lemon semifreddo pastry is made of sponge cake immersed by limoncello syrup flavor; then, filled and covered with lemon cream.

In the pastries you can find the family or single portion; in this last case you can notice the resemblance with a human breast, because it has a semicircular shape with a wild strawberry on top.

The delizia al limone was conceived back in 1978 by a Sorrento confectioner: Carmine Marzuillo, whom especially for this amazing sweet creation, in 2005 was even awarded of the title “Cavaliere.”

#4 PANNA COTTA

It is “Cooked cream” is an Italian dessert of sweetened cream that can take coffee, vanilla, strawberry, or more exotic flavors, such as kiwi or mango. Opposing, are the origins of panna cotta. Some consider it as a traditional Piemonte dessert made on 1900 for the first time, and cooked by a Hungarian woman from Langhe. On the contrary, North European books, assign panna cotta to be originated in Medieval times. We will probably never know the truth, meanwhile, let’s taste this delicious sweet treat.

#5 AFFOGATO AL CAFFE’

The translation is “Drowned in the coffee flavor”. It is another Italian coffee-based dessert, and it has the form of a scoop of vanilla gelato “Drowned” with a shot of hot espresso. However, there are also alternative versions that include: coconut, cherries, and honeycomb,

#6 VIENNETTA

The Viennetta is our last sweet semifreddo based on vanilla ice-cream and tiny dark chocolate flakes, with a unique wavy shape. Using the technique borrowed by the British Kevin Hillman, this dessert was introduced in 1982 by the historical Italian ice-cream brand “Algida.” It is available in many flavors, such as: chocolate, vanilla, Crème brûlée, choco-nut, eggnog, cappuccino, and tiramisu’.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Secret Italian beaches to discover…

Italy is very well known for its hot and shiny sun. Along with the sun, travelers want to visit the “Bel Paese” also for the so many beautiful beaches all around the boot.

Regular tourists may stroll around all the “classic” beach spots. However, the purpose of this article is to offer a unique choice to the potential visitor, who wishes to go over and discover the “secret places” known only by the native people.

Remaiolo beach:

It is located in the south of Elba Island, Toscana. It is an inaccessible cove which you will be able to visit only if you are guest of “Costa del Gabbiani Hotel”

Another way is to walk on a very steep road for about three km, and in order to do that, you will need a special permission from the management of the tourist resort https://www.elbaworld.com/en/info/p-320-info-point.html

However, if somehow, you will manage to arrive to the Remaiolo beach, you will face this rocky view with an amazing light-green sea color. An unforgivable scenery.

La Bufalara beach:

Ii is in Sabaudia, Latina; by the “Torre di Paola beach”. To visit this beautiful secret sea, you will need to walk on a long trail distinguished by pretty high dunes.

La Bufalara beach is a place difficult and far to go, also during the high season in August, it is an empty beach. To go there it is possible also taking part of tour guides, and you may need to ride an horse!

Cala Monte di Luna beach:

Located in Marina di Camerota, Salerno. The name explains that the beach is situated on the bottom of the rocky mountain; another reason is that watching this bay by the close town, people can see the moon; like if it were born on that beach. Enchanting dark blue sea, and very romantic!

Punta Crena beach:

Another reason to visit Liguria is because of its hidden beach mostly visited on the high summer season. The beach is very close to “Riviera del Ponte”

How to get there? Only swimming! To avoid any inconveniences, if you decide to “use” this pathway, you will need to wear special plastic shoes. The low-clear water and the rocks offer an enchanting view of this so special beach.

Cala Cipolla:

In Sardegna there are many wild sandy beaches, but one of the still unknown is in Cagliari and its name is: “Cala Cipolla”

This beach is located by Chia Bay. It is especially attended from off-season surfers. The very close pine trees, offer an easy way to find some shade from the heat of summer; therefore, it is a suitable place also for families with children. You may park in the surrounding area, but it is needed to walk on the sand for 100 meters.

Antonia L. Mosca

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Italy: the best livable towns of 2019

The University of Rome “La Sapienza” and “ItaliaOggi” have completed a research on the Italian region which are considered as the best quality of life. The index for this research were made using different factors; such as: job and business, standard of living, demography, social safety, education.

On this study came out a pretty straight forward classifies, which sees the North on a terrific leading role of the entire Italy. Just to be fair, we will linger on “the best” North, Center, and South.

We will outline the first five towns of the classifies:

75^TH POSITION: Benevento, is a city that belongs to the Campania region.

This city occupies the site of the ancient Beneventum, originally Maleventum or even earlier Maloenton. The meaning of the name of the town is evidenced by its former Latin name, translating as good or fair wind. In the imperial period it was supposed to have been founded by Diomedes after the Trojan War.

70^TH POSITION: We find Matera, a Southern city in the region of Basilicata. It is a location well known for the rocks or “sassi”, and if you will ever visit this suggestive place, you will be able to go to a museum which shows a variety of rocks. Another essential point to know is that the area it is because, it has been settled since the Palaeolithic (10th millennium BC). This makes it potentially one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements in the world.

19^TH POSITION: Macerata is an historical city, located on a hill between the Chienti and Potenza rivers. It first consisted of the Picenes city named Ricina (Helvia Recina), then, after its romanization, Recina and Helvia Recina. After the destruction of Helvia Recina by the barbarians, the inhabitants took shelter in the hills and eventually began to rebuild the city.

2^ND POSITION: Pordenone is province of northeast Italy in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Pordenone was created in the High Middle Ages as a river port on the Noncello, with the name Portus Naonis. In the area, however, there were already villas and agricultural settlements in the Roman age.

1^STPOSTION: Trento over this 2019 study received the 1.000,00 points.

It is a city on the Adige River in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol in Italy. It is the capital of the autonomous province of Trento. In the 16th century, the city was the location of the Council of Trent. Formerly part of Austria and Austria-Hungary, it was annexed by Italy in 1919. With almost 120,000 inhabitants, Trento is the third largest city in the Alps and second largest in the Tyrol.

ALM

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A tour of Christmas Villages 2019 around Italy

For a couple of weeks, we have been hearing people humming on the street Christmas tunes, cities have been more colorful with red bows or their lighted up trees, and also, we have been somehow hearing strangers using Christmas ring tones. Well, with today, we can definitely confirm that the month of December has finally arrived.

It does not want to be a cliché, but we are merrier on Christmas season. Everything looks brighter, and our time is usually spent with our closest ones. It is not a case that December has been considered as a high peak season for families and friends to stay together on vacation.

In case you are planning to visit Italy, this is definitely a magic time to go. From North to South, you may want to have some time for Christmas street markets. We would like to indicate you few unmissable places.

Christkindlmarkt, it is a yearly event staged in Bolzano (Trentino Alto Adige) from the end of November, until January 6^th. You may have the chance to check on gastronomy stands, along with small business specialized also to children’s interests such as: the miniature trains. On the streets you may smell the sweet strudel, mulled wine, and apple juice.

Christmas Village in Ascoli Piceno (Marche) from December 1^st to January 6^th. In the main Plaza Arringo, you may take a tour on the miniature wooden towns, take a stroll in the main streets where you can purchase several unique Christmas gifts, and you may take some time to ice skate, too. In case you plan to stay for a couple of days, you may not want to miss to deliver your mail to Santa Claus’ house, and participate the alive Nativity.

Street Christmas market in Ascoli Piceno

Christmas street festival in the warmer capital Rome, you may see this special time of the year in one of the most enchanting places of the world: Piazza Navona. This event is going to start December 2^nd and will come to an end on January 6^th. Music, lights, stores, will be an amazing scene of this last part of the 2019.

San Gregorio Armeno, Napoli (Campania) is one of the most beautiful stops you may need to take if you land to the “Sun country”. This specific street has centuries of Christmas Nativity tradition. You will find in every shop Christmas Nativity character and each of them are exclusively hand-made. Besides, Neapolitan handcrafter are well known also to place anyone else into the Nativity scene. You may surprisingly see Napoli soccer players, Queen Elizabeth, Roberto Benigni, and many more mundane characters.

Unique narrow streets of San Gregorio Armeno, Napoli

We can tell that San Gregorio Armeno is opened the whole year round; therefore, you may visit 365 days per year. However, Christmas season has always a different and more special “flavor” to appreciate the charm of this great city.

Giotto Park Village. The stunning Palermo (Sicily) celebrates Christmas with spectacular markets. The Christmas Village will be on until January 6^th.

These are opened to all ages, especially to the children who can take rides on many carousels. Another event you may not want to miss is to try the street Sicilian food and tasty wines. We can guarantee that the weather is not as inclement as the North of Italy, so walking around the markets will be a total fun. For this Christmas event, all the stores will be opened. Tourist, and local will be able to check on special gifts.

Antonia L Mosca

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